Introduction:
Stuffed and baked apples are a delightful autumn treat that combines the natural sweetness of apples with a warm, spiced filling. This comforting dessert is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. In this detailed recipe, we'll guide you through the steps to create these irresistible stuffed and baked apples.
Ingredients:
- 6 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work well)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 cup apple cider or water (for the baking dish)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare the Apples:
- Wash and core the apples. Using a sharp knife or an apple corer, carefully remove the seeds and create a hollow space in the center of each apple. Leave the bottom intact to create a well for the stuffing.
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Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried cranberries or raisins, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
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Make the Sweet Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup or honey and melted butter or coconut oil. Pour this sweet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. The result should be a sticky, cohesive filling.
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Stuff the Apples:
- Place the cored apples in a baking dish. Generously stuff each apple with the sweet filling, pressing it down gently to ensure it stays in place.
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Add Liquid to the Dish:
- Pour apple cider or water into the bottom of the baking dish. This helps to keep the apples moist during baking and adds an extra layer of flavor.
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Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-40 minutes. The apples should become tender but not mushy.
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Uncover and Bake Again:
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the tops of the apples are golden brown, and the filling is bubbling.
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Serve Warm:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the stuffed apples from the oven. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. The aroma of warm spices will fill your kitchen.
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Optional Garnish:
- For an extra touch, garnish each stuffed apple with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream.
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Enjoy:
- Serve these delectable stuffed and baked apples warm. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Conclusion:
Stuffed and baked apples are a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With a harmonious blend of sweet and spiced fillings, these warm, aromatic treats are sure to become a favorite dessert for autumn gatherings or cozy nights in. Share this delightful recipe with friends and family, and savor the joy of homemade stuffed and baked apples.